What is HAF?
HAF providers are looking forward to welcoming you to our Summer HAF from 28th July to the 22nd August 2025.Your child can attend up to 16 days, only one club each day.
Southend Council and Eequ booking platform are working together to simplify the booking for our eligible families to book onto the programme. We will not be issuing HAF codes, Eequ booking platform will automatically recognise your eligibility once a parent has created an account and entered their child's details. If your child is eligible, you will receive an email from your child's school from 9 July 2025. You can view all the HAF Providers who are delivering this Summer and book by clicking the link to the booking site: https://www.eequ.org/southendhafprogramme
If your child is in Reception Class, Year 1 and Year 2 they are Universal Free School Meals. You must be in receipt of Benefits Related Free School Meals to attend the HAF club: Apply for free school meals: search result - GOV.UK
If you are not in reciept of benefits related Free School Meals. Your child must be referred for a funded place by your school or a professional working with the family. A completed referral form is required. Please request one from HAF@southend.gov.uk
The programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and offers eligible pupils:
- 4 days in Spring (Easter holidays)
- 16 days in summer holidays
- 4 days in Winter (Christmas holidays)
If you are interested in becoming an Approved Holiday Activity & Food Provider, please email: HAF@southend.gov.uk for further information.
Approved Providers deliver a programme where children and young people can try new activities, have fun and learn new skills. They include:
- arts and crafts
- dance
- music
- cookery
- Outdoor experiences, farm experience.
- sports
- Football
- Family HAF Days
A healthy meal will be provided with every booked place.
To view a video from our last session in Spring, please see Holiday Activities and Food scheme for Southend-on-Sea
View the HAF 2023-24 Southend Local Authority Annual Report
Important information about your HAF bookings
Do not book your child onto a HAF club when you are going on holidays or have made plans with families and friends. Other eligible children missed out on the opportunity to attend a free holiday club and receive a hot meal.
Southend on Sea City Council expects HAF providers to be fully inclusive and make rasonable adaptions to meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Parents/carers need to share information about their child's needs with the HAF provider. This will include copies of the child's individual support plans / Education, Health Care Plans (EHCP) and any medicalcare plans that are at the school to confirm the level of support being requested.
Provider contact details can be found on the providers booking page. If you have any questions after contacting your chosen provider, please email HAF@southend.gov.uk
If you need more information check the frequently asked questions page or email: HAF@southend.gov.uk